Community Life Student Handbook
Table of Contents
(This handbook is also available in PDF format for printing)
The Office of Community Life is firmly committed to the concept that residence halls are to provide a place where students grow, experience the richness of community living and engage in learning outside the classroom. Dynamic communities form and contribute to each student's overall learning--intellectually, culturally, socially, emotionally and spiritually. On-campus living provides the proper balance of challenge and support for residents, which allows them to take responsibility for themselves and for their development.
Resident living at Benedict College is designed with the student in mind. Our goal is to provide a clean, comfortable, and safe "home" in which the student can live, work, study, and build relationships. Living on campus gives the student a tremendous opportunity to interact with students from many different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. It also allows them to enrich themselves by taking part in many social, intellectual, emotional, physical, cultural, and spiritual events.
Community Life Philosophy
Living in college housing is one of the special experiences associated with academic growth. While the primary function of Benedict College's residence halls is to provide students a place to sleep, socialize and study while attending Benedict College, the Community Life staff at Benedict College is committed to making our residence halls genuine living/learning centers for today's students. Your residence hall is your home, a place to relax and enjoy yourself. It is important, however, that an atmosphere for studying prevails.
You will find that living on campus is unlike any experience you may have had. Residents must be conscience of their behavior and how it may affect others who are living around you. It is toward this end of maintaining this atmosphere that you, as residents, must continually strive. Your tolerance and respect for your fellow students, and regard for standards of good citizenship will assure this atmosphere.
It is the college's philosophy that students are responsible for themselves. This means you, the student, are responsible for knowing and maintaining the college rules and policies. The college staff will enforce the regulations if you fail to do so. It is to your advantage to avoid problems before they begin. An attitude of "How does what I'm doing affect others?" will build a community of residents who regulate themselves, therefore ensuring that everyone's rights are protected.
It is the desire of the Community Life staff to facilitate the personal development and learning of the students. By planning programs, activities of interest, and by advising and counseling students, we hope to assist you in your personal growth. We encourage you to stop by and talk with your Resident Hall Assistant. The Resident Hall Assistant (RHA) is a helper; use him/her to help you in any number of ways. Your RHA can help you solve a problem or answer a question about campus life. Your RHA. can also help make your experience in campus living a rewarding one by encouraging developmental and social activities.
When you occupy a room at Benedict College, you become a member of a unique and interesting community. Learn from this community, and give something back to it. You will have the opportunity to meet people of all races and backgrounds. These people have much to offer you, as you have much to share with them. Learn to appreciate the "uniqueness" of the people who live around you. Learn from them; share your life with them. And by the time your stay with us is complete, you will be a different person; more confident and better informed.
Student Housing
The college-housing program sets the stage for student learning by providing a living environment that is conducive to academic pursuits, personal growth and the development of friendships within each residence area. Because the living experience is an integral part of the educational process, all students except local commuters live on campus and participate in a college meal plan at the college.
The campus residence facilities house approximately 2050 full-time students. Each residence area has a different staffing pattern but is generally supervised by the Director of Community Life, Area Coordinators, a Community Life Coordinator and a Community Life Assistant and a team of Resident Hall Assistants.
Expectations of Benedict College Dorm Residents
Consistently agreeable interaction among members of a residential community is dependent upon mutual respect and appreciation. Dependability, competence, and consideration are necessities in the development of a positive community. Residents can establish and maintain respect by functioning as independently and effectively as the resident's ability allows; by being mature and knowledgeable about their own care; by managing time and items in a way that "fits" the schedule; and by treating people as they want and expect to be treated with honesty, fairness, kindness, patience, and respect.
As a resident, you can:
Become more a part of the College community. Studies conducted nationally show that students living in campus residence halls typically perform better ACADEMICALLY.
Residents have opportunities for personal growth not available to commuting students. Living on campus provides an environment designed to help you experience INDEPENDENCE.
The residence halls become communities with student involvement. Social and recreational events in the residence halls enable students to live and study together, share experiences, and MAKE FRIENDS.
Living in the residence halls makes getting to early morning classes easy and makes late evenings in the library manageable. You do not have to worry about traffic jams or trying to find a parking space. On-campus dining service and laundry room makes living on-campus CONVENIENT.
The housing fee is charged once a semester; that includes rent, utilities, water sanitation, cable and local telephone service, along with furniture. Therefore living on-campus provides you with no hidden costs and PREDICTABLE EXPENSES.
The Office of Community Life offers many computer options. There is a computer lab that is open to all residents. These computer labs allow you to type papers, etc. without having to walk to campus. So with living on-campus, there is better access to COMPUTERS.
Student Responsibility for Community Living
Residence halls promote a cooperative community living environment and teach students to respect the rights of others. Residence halls also recognize the academic atmosphere and protect the health, safety and security of all residents.
The right to study, read, relax and sleep without unreasonable interference, noise or distractions, and the responsibility to help others have this right;
The right to feel safe in the residence halls as well as have free access to one's room and other facilities in the building, and the responsibility to help ensure the safety for others in the building;
The right to have respect shown for one's privacy, and the responsibility to respect the privacy of others;
The right to have respect shown for one's personal property, and the responsibility to respect other's personal property as well as community property;
The right to have visitors within the hall, and the responsibility for the behavior of those guests.
The right to live in an area that is free of intimidation, physical or emotional harm, and the responsibility to ensure this right for others;
The right to a clean living environment, and the responsibility to help keep it clean;
The right to maintain one's personal beliefs and values, and the responsibility to respect others beliefs and values.
Please keep in mind that any individual's rights end when exercising those rights infringes on others. The residence halls at Benedict College are a place for fun but also a place for study. In keeping with the mission of Benedict College, the residence halls must have an atmosphere conducive to academic development. Students whose behavior violates the rights of other members of the community may be subject to disciplinary action and/or removal from College housing.
STAFFING
The Director of Community Life is responsible for comprehensive administration of student housing, which encompasses (a) the process of admission of students to campus housing; (b) the application and assignment process; (c) residential Community Life staff training and supervision; and (d) departmental decision-making.
The residence halls are staffed by Area Coordinators, Community Life Coordinators, Community Life Assistants and Student Resident Hall Assistants (RHAs) who reside in the residence hall
Residence Hall Assistants Program
The task of the Resident Hall Assistants (RHA) Program is to accommodate student input within regard to policies, procedures, and social functions. Participation assures that the needs of the group are met in an efficacious manner.
RHAs must have the willingness to discuss issues, problems or concerns with student residents, the Director, Community Life Coordinators and/or the Community Life Assistants. The fastest way to destroy a positive community is through gossip and accusations. Issues brought to the attention of residents and staff will be resolved in a manner that takes into account the needs of the residents and staff and the statutes of the College.
Residents are responsible for assisting in keeping the residence clean and sanitary. Residents must attempt to prevent room odors and unsanitary conditions by assuring that personal hygiene equipment is cleaned, and by having soiled clothes taken to the laundry.
Additional information about the student-housing program, including information about community guidelines and the student life judicial system, is available in The College Student Handbook.
Student Dormitory Council
Each residence area has a dormitory council that works with members of the Office of Community Life staff to coordinate programming and policy concerns for the residents.
HOUSING APPLICATION AND AGREEMENT
An individual must be admitted to the College before an application for housing can be accepted. The housing application must be renewed each year. During the specified period for renewal of housing applications, the student is expected to review the "Housing Application and Agreement" and, if he/she desires housing and concurs with the terms and conditions, to review and sign the housing application. Signing the agreement constitutes an agreement by the student to comply with the terms and conditions accompanying the housing assignment.
Application for Housing
1. Application for housing must be made well in advance of each semester the student wishes to remain in residence. A room deposit must be paid at the Office of Business Affairs.
2. Students who do not obtain a room assignment will have their names placed on a waiting list according to the payment date of their deposits and will be assigned to rooms when vacancies occur. Because of the uncertainty of cancellations, it is the responsibility of each student on the waiting list to seek an alternate place to live. The deposit is not refundable; however, the amount will be credited to the account of the student and will be held for the succeeding semester if the student reapplies. Room deposits will not be held for more than one academic year.
3. Room assignments are made on a firstcome basis. The preference of students in the room assignment process and roommate choices will be given consideration within reasonable limits. All assigned rooms will be held for 24 hours only after the time fixed for registration of that student, after which the room will be assigned to the next eligible person on the waiting list. If a student cannot claim his/her room within the time provided, he/she may apply for an extension, showing just cause to the Director of Community Life. Reasonable requests for room changes and reassignments may be made to the Director of Community Life during the week after registration ends.
Room assignments are made for each semester (fall and spring semesters) unless a student plans to terminate enrollment and/or unless a student is suspended or expelled before the semester ends. Financial responsibilities for room charges begin once a student officially registers as a boarding student. No refund of room and board charges will be issued after five weeks of the official dormitory opening date for the semester.
4. While the College provides janitorial service for hallways, bathrooms and public places, students must accept responsibility for the cleanliness and appearance of their rooms and general environment at all times. All rooms must be kept neat, clean, and in sanitary condition. They may be decorated to suit the taste of residents, but walls may not be defaced or spray painted by residents.
5. When students vacate their rooms for any reason, they will be held liable for any discrepancies and/or damages discovered in the rooms during the official checkout procedure. The process by which a room is vacated is described below:
a. The student requests an inspection of his/her room by the Community Life Assistant or the Community Life Coordinator.
b. The student then requests a copy of the withdrawal form which will indicate whether anything is charged against him/her for damages, losses, etc. (Damages may include breakage of furniture, doors, windows, etc., and defacing of walls or doors. Losses would include any item that has been removed from the room.)
c. Then the student turns in his/her room key to the Community Life Assistant, or Community Life Coordinator. The Office of Business Affairs will receive moneys for any charges levied against the student at that time. Any charges remaining unpaid after the student has departed will be added to his/her bill.
FRAUDULENT APPLICATION OR ELIGIBILITY
If there is any reason to believe that a person or resident has fraudulently gained access to or is no longer eligible for housing, the resident of the unit will be contacted to review the matter. If it is verified that the individual is fraudulently living in the unit, or the resident fails to respond to the inquiry, eviction procedures may begin immediately.
SCHEDULE
Residence halls normally open on the day prior to the beginning of orientation for new students and on the day prior to registration for returning students. They close on the day following the last scheduled class for intercession holidays and at noon on the day following graduation exercises. Unless special permission has been granted by the Director of Community Life for students who must arrive early or remain late because of College responsibilities. Housing units will not be open to students before or after the established opening and closing times announced.
CHECK IN AND CHECK OUT
Residents are to check in at their respective resident halls. Residents will be issued keys and required to sign a residence hall check-in/check-out record as soon as possible.
Students/roommates are held jointly responsible for all damages to the College facilities, which they occupy. When moving into a room, a student should check carefully and report any damages noticed in the room to the Community Life Coordinator as soon as possible.
To move out of the residence halls during the semester, you must first obtain approval from the Office of Community Life. When the term of the housing/dining agreement has ended, approval is not necessary. However, before you check out at any time you must:
1. Clean room thoroughly-dust, sweep, etc.
2. Clean the refrigerator thoroughly and remove all items and completely defrost.
3. Empty Trash.
4. Unplug everything.
5. Turn down heating/air-conditioning unit
6. Close and lock window(s).
7. Return borrowed items.
8. Remove all belongings from room.
9. Lock room door.
A staff member must inspect the room for damages using the resident's check-in/check-out record. The resident can claim any damages to the room that are attributed solely to the resident. Any damages, which a resident does not attribute to him/herself, will be split between the residents of the room. The Community Life Coordinator will go through each unit after all the residents have checked out to assess damage cost. Damages will then be billed to the resident.
The residents must then return the keys assigned them (room/apartment) to their Community Life Coordinator or Community Life Assistant and sign their key card. The resident and Community Life staff person must sign and date the room check-in/check-out record and the resident leaves their forwarding address at the desk.
Residents who leave at the end of the fall semester must be checked out of their room by assigned date and time.
1. Residents must check out prior to leaving for winter break.
2. Apartment residents must check out no later than the last test day prior to the Christmas break.
Residents are responsible for any damage fees assessed following inspection by a professional staff member.
Residents who check out later than their assigned date, either at the end of the fall semester or the end of the academic year, will be charged.
ROOM CHANGES
Residents who desire a change of room or hall must submit a room change request in order to be considered. The ability to relocate is based upon space limitations and an educational philosophy that residents have tried in good faith to solve any differences. See your Community Life Coordinator/Community Life Assistant if you wish to change rooms.
INSURANCE
It is recommended that students have some type of renters insurance to cover their property while they are living in the residence hall.
Property insurance
The college is not responsible for personal property that is lost, stolen or damaged at any time or when it is left behind at the time the student vacates the residence hall. Students are encouraged to carry personal property insurance.
KEYS
One room key is issued to each resident at check-in. If you live in an apartment, one bedroom (in two and three bedroom apartments) and one front door key will be issued at check-in. If a key is lost or needs to be replaced, there will be a charge per key that needs to be replaced.
DUPLICATION OF KEYS. Each key is clearly marked "Duplication of Key Prohibited." The renewal of cores and the provisions of keys must be done solely by the Office of Physical Plant. No student, therefore, may take it upon himself/herself to have his key duplicated by any other means or at any other establishment.
In the event a key becomes inoperative through no fault of the student, a new key will be issued without charge. If a key is lost or if the failure of the key to function properly is the fault of the student, a new key will be issued at the student's expense. The procedure for obtaining duplicates of lost or stolen keys is to be followed in four steps:
1. Reporting the loss of the key to the Community Life Coordinator.
2. Payment to the Office of Business Affairs of the costs of the core/lock and/or new key(s).
3. Presentation of the receipt of payment to the Community Life Coordinator for his/her signature and verification of the key code number.
4. Presentation of the completed form (constituting a receipt and a request for a duplicate key) to the Office of Physical Plant.
If you get locked out of your room/apartment, you must contact a Community Life staff person and show a picture ID in order to gain access to your room/apartment. You are permitted TWO lockouts per semester. After two lock outs you may then need to meet with the Community Life Coordinator.
ROOM FURNISHING
All of the residence hall rooms are furnished with beds, mattresses (and mattress covers as appropriate), desks, dressers and chairs. In addition to previous mentioned furniture, apartments are furnished with dining room and living room furniture. All of the furniture in the room must remain in the room. The College will hold students liable for any furniture removed from the room or any damage to the furnishings beyond usual wear and tear.
PUBLIC AREA FURNITURE
Each public lounge in the residence hall is furnished for the use of all residents. As such, all furniture must remain in the lounges. Also, room furnishings provided by the College are not to be removed from the rooms. Removal of any of the furnishings from their assigned locations, including lounge furnishings moved into a student's room, is considered theft of college property, and the student(s) involved will be referred for judicial action.
TELEPHONE SERVICES
Benedict College assigns extension numbers to each dormitory room. Students are not authorized to charge or accept long distance calls to this extension. Unauthorized billings to the College extension will constitute violation of the South Carolina Code 16-13-400. Avoiding or attempting to avoid payment of telecommunication services, and instances involving interstate calls is in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 1343, Fraud by Wire. Any student caught in violation can be charged, arrested, fined and imprisoned for violating either of these codes.
Each room is provided with one active telephone line and one modular jack for local service. This outlet will accept one telephone. Each apartment has one telephone jack in each bedroom and one in the living room with one active telephone line. Either a rotary (pulse) or touch-tone phone is compatible, provided it has a modular connector.
If you would like to make a long distance calls from your room/apartment, you may sign up with a long distance carrier. You may also use a calling card by contacting your company through a 1-800 operator. Residents may not bill long distance calls to the residential phone number or address. You must dial 9 to access any 1-800 number.
STORAGE
No storage facilities are available for people living in the residence halls or apartments.
CABLE
Each apartment has a cable hookup and receives basic cable. If your television is "cable ready," attach the cable to your TV set and to the receptacle and you will receive cable. If your TV is not cable ready, you must obtain a converter box before you will receive cable.
Premium cable channels are available to you. You must contract directly with Cable for this service.
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
To make your heating/air-conditioning unit work best do not place anything in the units, such as potpourri, air fresheners or other items such as these. They only create mold and cause bad odors.
REFRIGERATORS
Refrigerators are not allowed in on-campus residence halls. Each apartment is furnished with a refrigerator. Refrigerators must be UL approved.
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND OUTLETS
Due to overloading of electrical circuits, the total wattage of all electrical appliances in use at any one time should not exceed 1800 watts. Electrical appliances with heating coils are not permitted. Electrical surge protectors are recommended for students who bring their own personal computers. Electrical appliances must be UL-approved and in good working condition. Any multiple outlets must have surge protectors.
KITCHENETTES (Apartments, Oak Street Living and Learning Complex, Haskell)
To enjoy the continued use of these facilities, please adhere to the following guidelines:
1. You must provide your own cooking utensils.
2. When using the microwave oven, do not use metal or foil items.
3. You must remain present when using a kitchenette.
4. You are responsible for cleaning up the kitchenette after use (since the custodial staff does not maintain kitchenettes, it is the sole responsibility of residents to do so).
5. Please remember to remove your cooking utensils after use.
LAUNDRY ROOM
The laundry facilities are provided for residents only. If you lose money in a machine, or notice a machine needs repairs, please report it to the lobby desk.
It is essential that those using the laundry rooms are considerate of others when using the facilities. Please remember to remove your clothes immediately upon completion of washing and drying cycle. Others may be waiting! Also, when someone is folding clothes on the table, please do not put dirty clothes, hangers, detergent, or bleach on it. Remember to wipe up anything you spill, especially bleach. It can ruin clothes. All who use the facility are responsible for helping keep the laundry rooms clean.
RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT /GAMES
Recreational equipment is available at the lobby desks for residents to check out with their student ID. Items available must be returned in the specified amount of time.
SECURITY
Several security features exist in the residence halls and apartments, including doors into room and apartments that lock automatically when closed, but you can never be too careful. Despite the efforts of the Community Life office and Department of Campus Safety, in the final analysis, security begins with you.
All fire exit doors and wing doors, with the exception of the main lobby, must be locked at all times. Be sure to take your keys at all times.
To ensure a safe environment, you should never prop open a fir exit or wing door. Additionally, it is important that all students enter and exit through main lobby doors and ensure that others do the same. If you have a concern with door security, please report it promptly to a member of the Community Life staff.
The doors open directly to the outside of the building. All residents are encouraged to keep their apartment door closed and locked at all times.
Additionally, it is important to make sure you close your blinds in the evening.
Search Policy
Because a College is viewed as an educational community with special behavioral requirements, the courts have upheld the College's right to enter and search student rooms and suites with just cause. However, the entry and search must not be done in an arbitrary and capricious manner, which unnecessarily deprives a student of fundamental constitutional protection. The College housing staff will also make periodic inspections of students' rooms and suites for safety and health reasons. Violations observed during routine inspections and/or building evacuations may be referred to the Office of Student Affairs. The intent of this policy is to provide protection for the rights of each student while at the same time providing staff members and College officials the means to maintain and protect the educational environment necessary for the College to fulfill its primary purpose.
Rights of Entry
The College reserves the right to enter any room or apartment:
(a) with or without notice for the purpose of inspection, maintenance, or repair;
(b) without notice to or permission of the resident thereof, for the purpose of
(1) inspecting for dangerous drugs or narcotics;
(2) inspecting for firearms, fireworks, explosives, weapons; or
(3) any other substances, materials or goods the possession of which is a breach of the Housing Agreement, the standards and regulations of
the College. Such entry and inspection, however, should be made only when the College has reasonable cause to believe that such items are present in
the room; and
(c) when there is reason to believe that the occupants of the room are in serious physical or psychological distress.
Emergency Entry
A staff member may, without verbal or written authorization from a higher authority, enter a student's room or suite either forcibly or with a building master key in cases of fire, explosion, bomb threats, attempted or suspected suicide, or other situations which call for the immediate entry in the interest of safety and security both for the residents of the room or suite and the physical plant.
Any unauthorized or illegal items observed in student rooms or suites during an emergency entry will not be used as a basis for criminal prosecution. However, in the event of suspected vandalism, arson, assault or other violations of major College policy, which may have occurred in a room, Campus Safety will be called in to conduct an investigation. The results of such an investigation may result in disciplinary action or criminal prosecution.
Authorized Entry
In the case of a known violation of a College policy, a staff member may request permission to make an authorized entry into a student's room or suite. The request will be made to the Director of Community Life who will determine the merits of the request and either approve or disapprove the entry.
The staff will then notify those residing in the room that authorization has been obtained to enter the room by use of whatever means necessary. When a room or suite is entered by means of an authorized entry, the purpose will be to make a visual inspection of the room and observed violations may be referred to the Office of Student Affairs. The staff member also may look in the bathroom, in the closet and under the bed.
Search and Seizure
The College reserves the right for appropriate officials to search dorms or individual rooms without a written notice whenever there is reasonable suspicion that illegal items are in the room(s), which violate College rules and regulations. Local, state and federal laws or in cases of emergencies when there is suspicion of danger or injury to individuals or College property. If such property is discovered, the College may confiscate it until proper disposition of the case has been made.
Search Warrant Entry
In those cases where an individual has personal knowledge or other information of a violation of a criminal nature, such as theft or acts of violence, Campus Safety are to be contacted. The campus safety officer will then determine whether or not sufficient evidence exists to request a search warrant.
HEALTH AND SAFETY INSPECTION
Living conditions that could adversely affect residents' health and safety are prohibited. Residents are responsible for maintaining reasonable standards of cleanliness and safety in their rooms or apartments, hallways, lounges, bathrooms, and lobby areas including proper garbage/trash disposal and securing of cable, telephone and electrical wiring. The housing staff reserves the right to inspect rooms to ensure that residents comply with health and safety regulations. Upon vacating a room or apartment, the resident must ensure that the space is clean and in condition for the next student to occupy.
The purpose of health and safety inspections is to ensure that each student's room, all common spaces, and public areas of the residence halls are in reasonably clean condition, and that all terms associated with the safety regulations and policies of the College are being met. These inspections are conducted at least once per week.
The Community Life staff will inspect the general condition of the room, which includes: closets, appliances, extension cords, ceilings and wall hangings. Violations will be noted and called to the attention of the student. Serious violations or failure to remedy the condition may result in loss of housing and other penalties may apply. During the room inspection, Community Life staff will look for such violations as presence of pets and animals, excessive dirt, open food containers, overloaded outlets and alcohol and drug containers and paraphernalia. However, items seen in the room that are in violations of the Community Life policies will be confiscated.
Procedure
These inspections are for the life safety of each of our residents, and are to begin almost immediately.
1. The date and time of inspections for your residence hall is unannounced. There will be no notification to building residents regarding the time or date of the inspection.
2. The process involves the inspector accessing all occupied rooms and common-use area. There are no exceptions.
3. A copy of the Notice of Violations and/or charge document will be completed by the Community Life Coordinator and forwarded to the Director of Community Life. The Notice indicates that repairs are necessary. When violations are found, a re-inspection will be conducted approximately seven days after the initial inspection.
Walks and Balconies
Residents shall be responsible for the cleanliness of balconies or walks in front of their apartment.
COMMON AND PUBLIC AREA DAMAGE/COLLECTIVE FEE POLICY
There are specific acts of damage or vandalism that occur in the residence halls for which the responsible party cannot be identified. The College has a collective fee policy for assessing vandalism and other damage charges. If the responsible party is not established within a specified period of time, the cost for repair or replacement of the area or item vandalized will be divided equally among all residents of the affected area. A minimum charge of $5 will be assessed for damage to common areas or to the room. The student will be notified of the charge, and payment must be made within ten days to the Business Office. Failure to pay damage fees will result in loss of housing and other penalties may apply. Prior to assessment of damage fees, every effort will be made to identify the parties responsible for the damage, including hall meetings and announcements on the bulletin boards. Excessive damage may also result in the loss of housing.
CARE OF ROOMS AND FACILITIES
College property is inventoried according to location and is not to be moved without the expressed written permission of the Director of Community Life. Vandalism of and graffiti on College property/facilities is prohibited, and students will be held responsible for such damage.
Residents are prohibited from painting rooms. The stacking of beds, or other furniture, on tops of desks and dressers is prohibited.
Students may not alter or add attachments to their rooms. These items include, but are not limited to, locks, outside radio and television antennae, additional wiring, window shades, or awnings. Students are responsible for damaged or missing property.
RELEASE FROM CONTRACT
1. A student wishing to be released from a room and board contract must apply within five weeks from the official opening date of the residence hall for such release in writing at the Housing Office.
2. A student withdrawing from the College, who has filed an application for release from contract, will be released from the room and board contract 24 hours after the application has been received.
3. A student may be released during a semester for the following reasons:
(a) academic dismissal, (b) disciplinary expulsion from the College, (c) marriage (a copy of the marriage certificate must be filed), (d) induction into military service, (e) health, upon recommendation of the Student Health Service, or (f) death of either parent or legal guardian.
4. A student who is released from the room portion of the contract is automatically released from the board, social dues and maintenance fee portions of that contract.
DORM MEETINGS
Community Life Coordinators are responsible for holding dorm meetings on a monthly basis. These meetings are designed to keep the residents informed of any policy changes as well as to talk about programs and activities for the dorm. These meetings are mandatory and it is the responsibility of every resident to be aware of what takes place at these meetings. The mandatory meetings will be posted in advance. There will, however, be certain meetings throughout the semester that are not mandatory for all residents to attend.
FALSIFICATION OF OFFICIAL INFORMATION
No student shall alter, replicate or have in his or her possession an altered College identification card (BC Access Card), nor shall he or she alter, replicate or enter false information on an official College document.
No student shall provide false information or fail to provide current information to the College for the purpose of defrauding the College.
IDENTIFICATION CHECKS
IDs must be presented when entering any of the college residence halls. College ID cards must be carried at all times and must be presented when requested by any College official. Transfer of ID cards and/or residence hall stickers are prohibited.
GUEST POLICY
Only residents and their guests of the same gender are permitted in the residence halls living areas. Students from another residence hall are considered guests as well. You are expected to accompany guests at all times while they are in the building. You will be held responsible for the behavior of your guests. As a result of the unique nature of a residence hall community, resident students have a high responsibility to other residents. Students who bring guests into this living environment must be willing to assume responsibility for the behavior of their guests. Residents are allowed only two guests per visit.
While you cannot absolutely control another person's behavior, you can control whom you choose to have as a guest. The facts that you are responsible for those you allow visiting should foster more judicious decision-making on your part. It is your responsibility to inform guests of residence hall and College policies and to encourage compliance.
Residents may have overnight guests of the same gender with the prior knowledge and consent of all roommates and the approval of the Community Life Coordinator. Overnight guests are to be occasional and therefore guests may stay no more than three nights consecutively in one month. Opposite gender guests must visit in the student lounge in accordance with the designated hours for each residence hall. Members of the opposite gender may not be in non-public areas of the residence halls during these designated guest hours.
HOUSING DURING SCHOOL CLOSINGS AND VACATIONS
Room fees do not include these vacation periods. Any students remaining on the campus during vacation periods without authorization will be considered trespassers.
Since the College does not permit students to remain in the residence halls when school is not formally in session, students are not permitted access to the residence halls after closing. Also, the College is not responsible for items left in students' rooms. If a student is unable to go home during the break, he/she must take the responsibility for arranging off-campus temporary accommodations. Because of time constraints necessary to prepare for succeeding obligations, late checkouts are not allowed.
As a general rule, residence halls close within 24 hours of the last final exam and by 6:00 p.m. on the day of the last class period before holidays and breaks. Closing and opening dates and times will be posted in advance and all students must conform.
NONCOMPLIANCE WITH AN OFFICIAL REQUEST
No student shall fail to comply with reasonable and lawful requests or directions by members of the faculty, administrative staff, residence Community Life staff or other employees acting in the performance of their official duties. A request for proper identification from a student is a reasonable expectation.
No student shall fail to answer promptly lawful requests from faculty members or administrative officers of the College.
No student shall intentionally provide false information, verbally or in writing, to faculty or staff members acting in the performance of their official duties.
The student has the responsibility to act in a manner that is conducive to learning by the student and by other students by: being prepared, prompt, attentive and courteous in all academic settings (including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, advising centers, departmental and faculty offices, etc.) and complying with requests made by a faculty or staff member in an academic setting. To maintain fairness and uniformity in the assignment of sanctions for certain first time offenses the following guideline has been established: disciplinary probation and educational program.
HARRASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, THREATENING OR USE OF FORCE
College Housing/Residence Education prohibits any person, either singly or in concert with others, from willingly causing injury to another, willfully threatening the well-being of another, verbally abusing others, or intimidating others (including College officials and student staff acting in performance of their duties).
Violence to Persons
No student shall engage or attempt to engage in any form of violence directed toward another person or group of people.
Responding to violence with violence is a violation of this policy.
To maintain fairness and uniformity in the assignment of sanctions for certain first time offenses the following guideline has been established: disciplinary probation and one semester suspension.
Sexual Misconduct
Student sexual misconduct is defined as unwelcome acts of a sexual nature committed by a student against another student without consent. This includes sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and/or other verbal or physical conduct, including written communications of an intimidating, hostile or offensive nature, or action taken in retaliation for the reporting of such behavior. Student sexual misconduct may include, but is not limited to:
(1) unwelcome touching - either of the victim or when the victim is forced to touch another person's body, directly or through clothing - such as patting, pinching, brushing against the body, attempted or actual kissing or fondling, and any other inappropriate and/or unwelcome touching or feeling;
(2) coerced sexual intercourse (e.g., rape, attempted rape, sodomy, or other sexual acts or misconduct);
(3) unwelcome sexual propositions, invitations, or other pressure for sex;
(4) implied or overt threats of a sexual nature;
(5) making gestures of a sexual nature;
(6) unwelcome sexual remarks about clothing, body, or sexual activities; and humor and jokes about sex that denigrate women or men in general. Acts of physical student sexual misconduct are commonly considered to constitute a form of sexual assault when occurring without consent. To constitute lack of consent, the acts must be committed either by threat, force, intimidation, or through the use of the victim's physical or mental inability (of which the accused was aware or should have been aware) to understand the situation, the consequences of his/her choices, or to express his/her desires
Weapons
The use or possession of fireworks, firearms, or other dangerous weapons or material is prohibited. Firearms are defined as any gun, rifle, pistol or handgun designed to fire bullets, BB's, pellets, or shots regardless of propellant used. Weapons include, but are not limited to, knives, razors, metal knuckles, blackjacks, hatchets, bows and arrows, nunchankas foils, or any explosive or incendiary devise.
Windows
Throwing objects, including pouring liquids from windows and/or walkways is prohibited and is grounds for suspension from the residence halls. Residents of a room from which objects are thrown will be held responsible for this conduct.
Objects may not be placed on windowsills as they may fall out or be knocked out of the window accidentally, causing harm and/or damage to persons or property. Sitting on window ledges and leaning out of windows are violations of state and campus fire and safety regulations and are prohibited.
FALSE REPORTS
Falsely reporting the presence of an unlawful explosive or incendiary device with the intent to mislead, deceive or disrupt the operation of the residence halls; falsely reporting a fire or other emergency; or falsely activating the fire alarm system is strictly prohibited and will result in suspension from the residence halls. Those found in violation of this policy will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
When does my Community Life Coordinator need to be notified of an incident?
The general philosophy of Community Life if "when in doubt... call." If you have a feeling you should be calling someone at home about an incident... you should call. Incidents where you should always notify your Community Life Coordinator include:
1. Student Arrest
2. Suicide Attempt
3. Medical Emergency
5. Building Damage such as fire, serious water damage, power outage, etc.
Resolution Procedures
Any student who feels that he or she has been the victim of student sexual misconduct is encouraged to report the incident and pursue recourse through this Policy. Informal complaints of student sexual misconduct filed under the policy may be verbal or in writing. Formal complaints must be submitted in writing. All complaints should be submitted to the Vice President of Student Affairs. Complaints of student sexual misconduct should be filed as soon as possible following the event or occurrence giving rise to the complaint to insure a complete investigation and prompt resolution of the problem. A complaint filed more than two days after an incident or event generally will not be considered to have been filed in a timely fashion. Complaints will generally be handled expeditiously; however, certain circumstances (e.g., illness, travel, holidays, etc.) may cause delays. Any administrator, supervisor, or other College official to whom a complaint of student sexual misconduct is made or who otherwise is made aware of incidents that might constitute student sexual misconduct, as defined in this Policy, should refer such matters to the Vice President of Student Affairs.
Informal Resolution Procedures
Any student who feels that he or she may have been the victim of acts of student sexual misconduct may file a verbal or written complaint with the Vice President of Student Affairs. Within ten (10) working days of receiving the complaint, the Vice President of Student Affairs will undertake an investigation. Additional staff members may assist in the investigation and will meet with the accuser and such other persons who may be deemed necessary, including the accused. An attempt will be made to complete the investigation and/or consultative process within an additional thirty (30) working days. The primary goal or objective of the informal complaint process is to resolve the conflict. In addition, resolution at the informal complaint process level may include an agreement in which one or more of the parties involved agrees to accept discipline in the form of a warning, censure, probation, or other such disciplinary action as may be warranted by the circumstances of each case, administered by the Vice President of Student Affairs.
To the extent the parties are able to achieve a satisfactory resolution of the complaint through the informal resolution process, the complaint will be considered resolved. The accused and accuser will receive written notification of the outcome and disposition of the complaint. In those cases in which a mutually satisfactory resolution of an informal complaint of student sexual misconduct cannot be achieved, either the accused or the accuser may request in writing to advance the complaint to the formal complaint or resolution process. The fact that a complaint of sexual misconduct may be concluded at the request of the accusing party does not preclude the filing of a formal complaint by others, including appropriate College officials. In addition, students who wish to pursue a formal complaint of student sexual misconduct may do so without first filing an informal complaint.
Formal Resolution Procedures
Formal complaints of sexual harassment must be filed in writing with the Vice President of Student Affairs. Upon receipt of a formal complaint, the Vice President of Student Affairs within ten (10) working days of receiving the complaint will undertake a preliminary fact-finding investigation to determine whether further investigation or proceedings appear to be warranted. In those situations in which the Vice President of Student Affairs determines that the alleged conduct does not fall within the definition of sexual harassment or does not appear to be supported or substantiated, the accuser will be so informed. When the Vice President of Student Affairs determines that there is reasonable evidence to support the complaint, the Vice President of Student Affairs will conduct an investigation as described above.
In instances where a formal complaint of student sexual misconduct is made without first filing an informal complaint, the Vice President of Student Affairs will, upon completing an investigation, consult with other appropriate College officials. Formal complaints may be resolved through actions such as a warning, censure, probation, public service and/or educational experience, restitution, suspension, or dismissal as may be warranted by the circumstances and administered by the Vice President of Student Affairs or other appropriate College official. If the accuser and the accused accept the action taken to resolve the complaint, the complaint will be considered resolved. The accused and accuser will receive written notification of the outcome and disposition of the complaint. If either the accuser or the accused rejects the action taken to resolve the complaint, upon written request of either party, the complaint will proceed to the formal hearing process.
The Vice President of Student Affairs will forward the complaint to the administrator designated to receive charges against students as provided in the Judicial Process and Procedures. The administrator will immediately refer the charges to the College Judicial Committee without additional investigation. The College Judicial Committee, in addition to the usual procedures specified for Hearings and Procedural Due Process, will observe the following special procedures for charges of student sexual misconduct:
1. The past sexual conduct of either the accused or accuser is not admissible in a hearing or appeal conducted under the Rules & Procedures.
2. Hearings related to charges of student sexual misconduct will be closed, unless both the accused and the accuser agree to admitting observers. If the accused and the accuser agree that observers may be admitted, each may select up to four observers. No hearings of charges related to student sexual misconduct will be open to the College community.
3. All members of the College Judicial Committee are required to hold all information regarding hearings and deliberations confidential in accordance with the Rules & Procedures. In addition, all other persons present at the hearing will be required to sign a statement indicating that each agrees to hold in confidence all statements and evidence presented at the hearing.
4. Any violation of the provisions of the Rules & Procedures, , shall be subject a student to additional charges. It should be noted that conduct that "harasses or intimidates any person" (including witnesses to a hearing) or "causes physical injury or threatens any person with force or violence" is prohibited.
Penalties
A formal complaint of student misconduct that is referred to the College Hearing Board will be handled in accordance with the provisions of the Rules & Procedures, and persons found guilty of such charges will be subject to the penalties as provided therein, including Censure, Probation, Public Service and/or Educational Experience, Separation and Dismissal, Interim Suspension, and Restitution. Action that result in charges of student misconduct may also subject a student to civil and/or criminal liability under state law, in addition to the sanctions provided by the Rules & Procedures.
Appeals
Any student who is found by the College Judicial Committee to have violated the Student Misconduct Policy may appeal such findings and sanctions to the Vice President for Student Affairs in accordance with the procedures specified in the Student Handbook
Frivolous or False Charges
The accused, the accuser, and all other parties to a complaint are reminded that it is a violation of Rules & Procedures for any member of the College community to bring charges against a member of the College community that are spurious, or that are intended primarily to harass or maliciously defame, or that are designed to intentionally overburden the ad judicatory system."
Retaliation Prohibited
The accused, the accuser, and all other parties to a complaint are reminded that it is a violation of the Rules & Procedures for any member of the College community to harass or intimidate any person, or to lie in making statements in connection with a charge under the provisions of this policy. The Vice President of Student Affairs will investigate any reported acts of harassment or intimidation, including any act of reprisal, interference, restraint, or penalty - overt or covert - against any student or employee who is a party to a complaint under this policy.
THEFT AND LOSSES
No student shall steal, attempt to steal or assist in the theft of any money, property or item of value not belonging to him or her.
No student shall illegally use or appropriate any property not belonging to him or her. To maintain fairness and uniformity in the assignment of sanctions for certain first time offenses the following guideline has been established: (items valued equal to or greater than $25.00) disciplinary probation and one semester suspension.
The College does not assume any responsibility for loss of, damage to, or theft of students' personal property anywhere in the residential facilities, whether by fire, theft, or otherwise nor for the direct or consequential damages arising from loss of, or any interruption of, any utility service provided by Benedict College or any other person or organization in connection with residence services. The student assumes all risk of all such loss. Many family homeowners' insurance policies provide coverage for the students' belongings at college. Residents may wish to consider purchasing additional insurance if their families' policies do not cover their belongings on campus.
Incidents of theft should be reported promptly to both the Offices of Community Life and Campus Safety.
MISSING STUDENT
If a student is reported missing contact your Community Life Coordinator, Community Life Assistant, the Director of Community Life and/or Campus Safety.
ILLNESSES/CRISES
If a student becomes ill during a time when the Health Center is not open or when they otherwise experience a crisis, the student should contact the person on duty or the Community Life Coordinator responsible for the dormitory.
EMERGENCIES
Medical Emergencies
For any type of medical emergency:
1. Immediately contact the Department of Campus Safety at 253-5400.
2. When you contact Campus Safety, give them your name, location, name of injured if known), and the nature of the injury.
3. After notifying Campus Safety, contact a member of the Community Life Staff.
Earthquakes
In the event of an earthquake you should take the following steps.
1. If you are indoors-stay indoors. Get under a desk or table or stand in a doorway or corner. Stay clear of windows, bookcases, cabinets, and mirrors until the shaking stops.
2. If you are outdoors-stay outdoors. Get into the open, away from building, trees, walls, and power lines.
Tornado/Sever Weather
A steady tone of the Civil Defense siren or other noise-making devices for a period of 3-5 minutes means that a tornado has been sighted and will probably hit within Columbia or Richland County.
1. If you hear a siren, get a flashlight and a battery-powered radio. Evacuate to the nearest residence hall stairwell. Go into your bathroom or evacuate to the nearest residence hall stairwell.
2. After taking cover listen to the radio for weather updates and the all clear.
Fire
When you have been alerted by the alarm, shouted warning, or the sensation of smoke or fire, follow the instructions listed below:
1. Put on a coat and hard-soled shoes.
2. Take a towel with you to put over your face to prevent smoke inhalation.
3. If there is smoke in the room, keep low to the floor.
4. Before passing through any door, feel the metal door knob. If it is hot, do not open the door.
5. Before opening a door, brace yourself against the door and open it slightly. If heat or smoke are present, close the door and stay in the room.
6. If you cannot leave the room, open the window.
7. To attract the fire department's attention if you are trapped, hang an object out the window. If there is a phone in your room, call Campus Safety (x-5400) and report you are trapped; give the room number and specific location.
8. If you can leave your room, close your windows and all doors behind you as you exit.
9. Go the nearest exit or stairwell.
10. If the nearest exit is blocked by fire, heat, or smoke, go to an alternate exit.
11. If all exits from a floor are blocked, go back to your room, open a window, wave something out the window, and shout for help.
12. After evacuating a building, move well away from it and stand clear. Emergency apparatus will be maneuvering around the building. DO NOT RE-ENTER THE BUILDING FOR ANY REASON!
13. Follow the directions of Fire Department, Police Department, Campus Safety and Community Life staff.
The College safety program requires a prescheduled fire drill for the residence halls. All other alarms that you hear indicate that there is a threat of an actual fire within the residence hall. The College requires all hall residents to adhere to the fire safety regulations of the campus. Failure to evacuate is not only a safety hazard, but it is a violation of College policy.
Procedures
1. When a fire occurs, activate the fire alarm immediately. Any delay in sounding the fire alarm will delay getting help and could have serious consequences. All of the buildings' fire alarms are transmitted to the Campus Safety.
2. Call the Campus Safety (5400) and tell them the exact location of the fire and what is burning.
3. The first priority is evacuating the building and, if possible, assisting students or other persons in immediate danger. Students and/or staff who are injured or need medical attention are transported to the hospital by fire department ambulance or Campus Safety.
4. The Campus Safety notify the Director of Community Life, or any of the other appropriate Coordinators in Student Affairs. The Coordinator, in turn, notifies the Vice President for Student Affairs. The Vice President for Student Affairs notifies other College officials, including the President, the Vice President for Public Relations and the Vice President for Business and Finance.
5. The appropriate the Director of Community Life and the Vice President for Students Affairs arrive on site, consult Campus Safety and other on-site staff and assess immediate needs.
6. Depending on the nature of the emergency, the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Director of Community Life or the Community Life Coordinator may call staff from Counseling and Psychological Services and/or the College Minister and ask them to report on-site to meet with the students affected by the emergency.
7. If the fire occurs in a residence hall and students cannot safely be housed in the facility, the Coordinator of Dorms in consultation with the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Director of Community Life and Physical Plant are responsible for developing and implementing a plan to temporarily house students in another location
Fire Safety Equipment:
Tampering with or misuse of fire-safety equipment is a violation of state and federal law and is prohibited in the residence halls. Fire-safety equipment includes, but is not limited to alarms, extinguishers, smoke detectors, heat sensors, door closers, and sprinklers. Violation of this policy will result in suspension from the residence halls.
Flammable Items/Decorations:
Items that require an open flame to operate or that produce heat (e.g. Bunsen burners, candles, incense, alcohol burners, and grills) are prohibited.
Decorative items including, but not limited to, fishnets, parachutes and live cut trees are prohibited unless they have been fireproofed and approved by the Director of Community Life. Approved items may not be used in, on or around lighting, sprinkler heads, or electrical fixtures. Only BC-approved lights may be used as decorations.
False Alarms and Fire Drills
No student shall pull a fire alarm except in case of an actual fire.
No student shall disregard a fire alarm signal or refuse to evacuate a building.
No student shall enter or exit from a fire escape except during a fire drill or in the case of an actual fire. To maintain fairness and uniformity in the assignment of sanctions for certain first time offenses the following guideline has been established: False Alarms-disciplinary probation and suspension from College Housing; Fire Drills-$50.00 fine, educational program and disciplinary probation.
Fire Suppression/Detection Equipment
No student shall, without authorization, operate, tamper with or otherwise misuse any fire suppression equipment, except for the purpose of extinguishing a fire.
No student shall tamper with or otherwise misuse any fire detection or early warning devices, emergency lighting or evacuation systems.
To maintain fairness and uniformity in the assignment of sanctions for certain first time offenses the following guideline has been established: a fee to refill extinguisher, disciplinary probation and educational program.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND INCIDENTS OF FOOD POISONING
Student(s) become ill as a result of food poisoning or a communicable disease such as measles, chicken pox or hepatitis.
Procedure
1. Suspected incidents of communicable diseases and food borne or waterborne illnesses should be reported immediately to the Coordinator of the Student Health Service. The Director of the Student Health Services, in turn, contacts the Vice President for Student Affairs. Examples of communicable diseases (Class I and II) include the following: cholera, diphtheria, food borne or waterborne illness, measles, meningitis, smallpox, typhoid fever, typhus, whooping cough, hepatitis, mumps, polio, rubella, and tuberculosis.
2. The Student Health Department directs the College's response that may include mass chemo-prophylaxis, inoculation, or quarantining.
3. If it is necessary to temporarily relocate a roommate or suitemates, the Director of Community Life consults with the Community Life Coordinator regarding the availability of residence hall space on campus.
4. Depending on the situation, the Vice President for Student Affairs may request that College Relations post a campus-wide announcement. Other internal communication channels may be used to convey information to the campus community.
REPAIRS
Students should report all needed repairs to their Community Life Coordinator, Community Life Assistant or RHA. They should not attempt to make repairs themselves. The Community Life staff's responsibility if to report the concern to the Physical Plant and coordinate the repair.
PLUMBING CARE
The apartment drain system can be best maintained by allowing only waste water to go through them. Food, paper (other than toilet tissue), and other objects should not be flushed down the commode. The sewer pipes are not made for these types of waste material. Also, DO NOT pour grease or foodstuff down the kitchen and bathroom drains because you may have to pay for repairs when waste water backs up into your apartment. When stoppage is due to carelessness or negligence, you will be billed a service charge. If your drain is slow or backed up, call the Community Life Coordinator and report the problem. If it is an emergency and the office closed, report the emergency to Campus Safety.
Do not use ant type of household drain cleaner in your drains because some are not compatible with the chemicals that are used by the Physical Plant and may cause harmful chemical reactions.
SHUTTLE SERVICES
In addition to the services provided to and from the off-site residential facilities, the college provides a complimentary shuttle service for students to local retail establishments and entertainment centers throughout Richland County. The Shuttle route includes department stores, bowling alleys, movie theaters and the mall. Students may also make special requests for rides to other sites in the local area. The Office of Community Life distributes the schedule for the shuttle at the beginning of each semester.
EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
The Office of Community Life in conjunction with the Office of Student Activities works to develop and fund a diverse array of educational and cultural programs each year. The types of activities are numerous and vary from year to year but generally include speakers, fine arts performances, musical performance, artists-in-residence and van and bus trips.
Many of these events are scheduled to complement the content of academic classes or the celebration of theme months and weeks. Theme months and weeks vary each year and may include: African Heritage and Culture Month, Alcohol Awareness Week, AIDS Awareness Month, Black Heritage and Culture Month, Women's Heritage and Culture Month.
RESIDENCE HALL REGULATIONS AND CHARGES
1. Students may not enter the living areas or visit the rooms of the opposite gender.
2. Locked doors and fire doors must not be propped open. Do not tamper with fire alarms, fire extinguisher, emergency lights or other safety equipment. Violators will be subject to the following charges:
Removal of fire extinguisher from the building $100
Broken fire extinguisher cabinet/damage, breakage or removal of single station battery-powered smoke detector $50
Smoke detectors damaged or removed from room $50
Removal of batteries/covers from smoke detectors $50
Tampering with or unraveling fire/ standpipe hose $50
Damaging fire extinguisher cabinets $100
Removal of fire hose/nozzles from the building $75
Tampering with or causing a fire sprinkler to activate phones in elevators $100
Activation of fire alarms due to use of illegal cooking appliances $50
Deliberate activation of a false alarm $250
Failure to evacuate building during an alarm $50
Deliberate damage to building fire alarm system $200
Damaging or removing fire exit closures/tampering with a fire extinguisher
(removal of safety pin/identification tags) $50
3. Pets are not allowed in the residence halls.
4. All students must vacate the residence halls at the sounding of fire alarms and for fire drills. Violators will be charged a fine of $50 for not vacating the premises.
5. A $5 dollar charge will be assessed to each student for excessive lockouts (more than two). The charge must be paid by the student in the Business Office.
6. Water fights, fireworks, intentionally setting fires, conspicuously unsanitary conditions and other acts that may create hazards to the safety and/or health of students and/or cause damage to the property of the College, are not permitted. Violators will result in suspension and/or dismissal from the College.
7. Loud music is prohibited within the residence hall. After two warnings, the equipment will be confiscated and the person shall be subject to disciplinary action.
8. Benedict College is not responsible for loss, theft or damage of the personal possessions of any student. The student assumes all risk of all such lost/damaged property. Residents may wish to consider purchasing additional insurance if their family's policy does not cover their belongings on campus. Incidents of theft should be reported to the Office of Community Life and the campus police promptly.
9. Possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs are strictly forbidden. Weapons of any kind are disallowed.
10. During visiting hours, guests of the opposite gender must be entertained in the lounge of the residence halls. All visitors must vacate the premises by 12 a.m. No visitation is allowed after 12 a.m.
11. The Health Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment.
12. Dormitory residents must keep their room clean or be subject to a $30 fine first offense, $60 second offense; and suspension from residence hall third offense. Room checks will be made unannounced on a weekly basis.
13. No intimate sexual relationships shall transpire in the residence halls (immediate suspension). Appropriate behavior must be exhibited in the lounge and lobby areas. Also, inappropriate behavior such as sitting on laps, caressing, passionate kissing, etc., will not be allowed. Violators will be referred for disciplinary action.
14. Students wishing to accommodate overnight guests must report them to the Residence Coordinator. Visitors reported in a room after visiting hours will be charged $75. All residents assigned to the room will be charged $25 each for illegally housing the person(s).
15. Residents and their guest are prohibited from hanging clothes or other objects outside or in front of windows, on pipes or venetian blinds.
16. Residents and their guests are prohibited from putting foreign objects (cans, food items, etc. ) in the bathroom sinks and commodes. Do not leave clothing in the sinks at anytime. Persons who misuse sinks, commodes, showers, or hallways for the deposit of human waste shall be administratively disciplined.
17. Trash should not be placed on the staircase, hallways, or in the bathrooms. Each student is responsible for dumping his/her trash in the green dumpsters. Violation of this rule will result in $25 fine first offense and dismissal from the residence hall second offense.
18. All problems, illnesses, grievances, etc., should be reported to the Community Life staff.
19. Yelling out of windows is prohibited. Violators will be referred for disciplinary action.
20. Students must pick up his/her mail from their mailbox at the Benedict College Post Office.
21. Students must be properly dressed at all times in residence halls.
22. Furniture is not to be removed, or disassembled at any time. Furniture is not allowed on the porches or on the yard.
23. Do not use nails or tacks on walls. Violators will be referred for disciplinary action.
24. Telephone service is provided for your convenience, thus misuse of that equipment will result in fines or being removed.
25. Students are required to carry (their) validated ID cards at all times and must present it upon request by a College official.
26. Curfew. Each residence hall will be secured at 12 midnight. Freshmen residents must be in their rooms and/or dorms, as appropriate, by 12 a.m., the Director of Community Life or the Community Life Coordinators or College authority approved by the President may grant exceptions.
27. Children are not allowed to reside in the residence halls. Baby sitting is prohibited. Violators must remove the child/children immediately and also will be charged $25 for each child and each offense.
28. Pregnant students should report to the Student Health Center for counseling. The Student Health Center will refer you to the appropriate medical facility for proper medical care.
29. Residents are prohibited from aiding or abetting any conduct code/policy violation.
30. Students may not conduct any private business operations from the College residence or use residence telephones for such activity. This is considered a violation of the solicitation policy.
31. Cleanliness is imperative. Residents are not permitted to sweep dirt, trash, or waste out of doors or throw such items from windows or balconies. Additionally, letting dirty dishes/laundry pile up. Spoiled or otherwise inedible foodstuffs accumulate, or creating any unsanitary condition that may attract vermin, is prohibited. Clotheslines are not permitted on apartment balconies.
32. The Office of Community Life, as stated in your "Housing Agreement," reserves the right to consolidate residents. This consolidation is performed to maximize the use of space and allow for the most people to obtain the living option they desire and are able to afford. Consolidation usually occurs through the first eight weeks of each semester
General Regulations and Procedures.
These general regulations and procedures apply to students living in all residence halls.
1. Students wishing to live on campus must complete application forms and send or deliver them to the Director of Community Life at Benedict College. Applicants seeking accommodations on campus are required to pay room deposits with the Office of Business Affairs.
2. Each boarding student receives a key to his/her assigned room when he/she registers for his/her room at the front desk of the residence hall. Students should keep their keys on their persons at all times and may not lend their keys to friends to enter any room when the residents are not present.
3. Students may not install ovens, deep fryers, or other electrical appliances for cooking or storing food in their rooms.
4. Daily study or quiet hours are observed in each residence hall from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. from Sunday through Thursday. During these times, no resident may receive a visitor.
5. Students must enter residence halls through the main/front entrance only, and may welcome and receive guests only through the foyer/lobby and in the lounge area of the residence halls.
6. The residence halls will be locked at 12:00 midnight. All resident students must keep their room keys and an ID card in their possession at all times.
7. Radios, stereos, tape players, television sets, and some quiet musical instruments may be used for the personal pleasure of the students. However, they should not be played in a manner that would disturb roommates or neighbors who might wish to study, sleep, or enjoy their own pleasures.
8. The highest standards of decorum must be observed at all times. All students must be properly dressed, appropriate to the destination and duration of their visits when they leave their rooms. Students must not hang clothes out of the windows of their rooms or do anything else that offends the standards of decency.
9. The College has a policy against solicitation in the residence halls. No salesman, agent, or collector in any residence hall should be encouraged at any time. Violations must be reported to the Community Life staff.
Housekeeping and Safety Regulations
1. By law, a person commits aggravated arson when by means of fire or explosive he or she knowingly damages, partially or totally, any building, and he or she knows or reasonably should know that one or more persons are present therein. Aggravated arson is a Class X felony; imprisonment of not less than 6 years, without probation, must be sentenced upon conviction.
2. The housing code forbids the use or storage in sleeping rooms of appliances for cooking or heating food or beverages. In addition, other heat producing appliances such as irons may not be used in sleeping rooms, and refrigerators with interiors larger than three cubic feet are prohibited.
3. Smoking is prohibited in all rooms and common areas of all residence halls. These areas include lounges, dining rooms, corridors, stairwells and washrooms. Smoking is prohibited in individual dorm rooms.
4. Room decorations are permitted except for hanging blankets, rugs or fishnets. Combustible decorations must not be put on the ceiling, in the entryway, on the door or near heat sources such as radiators or light bulbs. Any method of affixing decorations that puts holes in or mars walls, woodwork, doors or furnishings is prohibited.
5. Lighted candles, holiday lights, incense, fireworks, explosives and incendiary materials are prohibited. The possession or use of firearms or other weapons of any description and for any purpose is prohibited.
6. The installation of air conditioners by residents is prohibited.
7. The removal of window screens by residents is prohibited.
8. A resident may not use any facilities or areas of the residence halls, including the room assigned to the resident, for any commercial purpose or activity without a permit from the Director of Community Life.
9. No surface of any room may be painted.
10. Residents are prohibited from entering onto roofs for any purpose.
Miscellaneous Rules and Regulations
1. A resident may not unreasonably interfere with a roommate's or any other resident's rights under a residence hall contract. Playing musical instruments in any resident's room and engaging in physical games of any kind in the common areas is prohibited. Infractions, which cannot be resolved by the residence Community Life staff, will be referred to the office of the Director of Community Life, who will have discretion to resolve such problems through administrative/disciplinary action.
2. Only residents assigned by the College may reside in their assigned rooms; residents may not invite or permit any other person to reside in their assigned room or in any other area of the residence hall.
3. If any resident unreasonably refuses to accept a roommate or hinders the College in the assignment of a roommate, the College may, at its discretion, require that resident to be responsible for the total rent for the room.
4. A resident may not have visitors in the resident's room/suite between the hours of 12 a.m. and 8 a.m. A visitor is defined as a non-resident of the dorm who is invited by a resident of that room/suite to spend some time in the room/suite, presumably of a short duration. However, students of the same dorm/apartment are allowed to study/visit together after 12 midnight. A resident must escort visitors at all times.
5. Overnight guest or visitors may not use the residence hall's laundry facilities.
6. All telecommunication services in the residence halls, including but not limited to, direct dial local telephone services, and data services, are provided exclusively Credit cards and calling cards may be used to place long distance calls. One telephone line is provided per room; residents must provide their own telephone sets. One data port per resident is provided per room; residents must provide their own computers.
7. Tampering with the jacks, lines or equipment. In the case of such damage, the College will perform the repair and charge the cost of the repair to the person or persons responsible.
8. When it appears through reports of the Community Life staff, Campus Safety, etc., that a student has broken the room and board contract or has violated a residence hall rule or regulation as specified herein, the College reserves the right to review the case and take appropriate action administratively. When, in the opinion of the Director of Community Life, a student has broken the contract, the Director may remove the student from housing or apply a lesser sanction such as a required room or hall change, or housing probation. The decision of the Community Life Director will be final. Contract violation cases will not be accepted in the College Hearing and Appeals System unless additional disciplinary action, such as disciplinary probation, suspension or dismissal from the College, appears warranted.
9. The Vice President for Student Affairs may act administratively to maintain the residence hall living and learning environment by moving a student to a room other than the one to which he or she was initially assigned. Moving the student to another residence hall, or, when required in the best interests of the College as determined by the vice president, by removing a student from College housing. The Vice President's decision on such matters is final. Administrative action taken in accordance with this regulation is not--and should not be construed as--a determination by the vice president on the merits of any underlying disciplinary charge filed by or against the affected student(s).
10. The College shall not be responsible for disruption or non-performance as a result of a major campus disruption, strike, fire, flood, wind or snow storm, or other acts of God, or other events beyond the College 's control. In the event of such occurrences as described in the preceding sentence or for the convenience of the College for construction or other purposes, the College may at any time, and at its sole discretion, close all or part of any residence hall. If all or a part of any residence hall is prematurely closed, the affected residents shall vacate that hall within 24 hours of such closing and shall be relieved of all subsequent room obligations for that building after the closing date.
11. At the College 's sole discretion, construction may take place near residential units. No adjustment will be made to any residence charges at any time based solely on that construction.
12. No resident may remain in the residence halls during any vacation period.
Application
These policies govern the conduct of all Benedict College students on College premises; that is, on the campuses of BC and other property or facilities owned, controlled, or otherwise being used by the College. This policy also governs and applies to all programs offered by the College and to the conduct of students in any location where the conduct and behavior significantly impacts the College, its personnel and students.
COMMUNITY LIFE VIOLATION CHARGES
- Loitering $25
- Smoking or burning incense in dorm room $50
- Yelling out of the windows $24
- Trash in rooms or hallways $25
- Dirty room (during the semester) $30
- Dirty room (end of semester/close out $60
- Lockouts (third time and thereafter) $5
- Alcoholic Contents $100
- Drug Contents $100
- Unauthorized Visitation (Opposite Sex) $75
- Destruction of College Property $100
- Using nails or tacks in walls $150
- Disrupting Study Hours $50
- Excessive Loud Music/Noise
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